Shinozaki Violin Method Vol.1 no. 134-138: Foster “Old Black Joe”, Hauchard “Clown”, Beethoven “Ode to Joy”

This song was composed in 1860 by American song writer, Stephan Foster (1826-1864).

Foster wrote over 200 songs. Some very well known songs besides “Old Black Joe” are “Oh! Susanna”, “Swanee River”, and “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair.” He is called “the father of American music”.

Foster showed his talent at an early age and he taught himself the flute, guitar, and the clarinet. Since the time he got interested in composition, he was into studying the works of Mozart, Beethoven and Weber, even though he did not have formal education in composition.

Foster was a white man, but he wrote many songs in which he showed sympathy to the struggle and pain of black slavery.

One year after “Old Black Joe” was composed, the Civil War started and in 1862, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

I think this piece is by Maurice Hauchard, a French violinists who wrote some method books. Coincidentally, I found some of these books in my library.

These books are for more advanced students to learn double stops as well as scales and arpeggios, so there must be a beginning violin method book by him which includes this piece.

This piece, “Clown,” has the musical term “Scherzando”, which means very playful, merry, and animated. Scherzo in Italian means a “joke”, so we better play this piece with a lighthearted feeling; not too seriously.

We learned the D Major scale at no. 131, but now, the slurs are longer. As Mr. Shinozaki indicates, it is better to practice without slurs, as well as practice with slurs for two notes.

no.136 and 138 were actually the preparation for this piece. This melody is from “Ode to Joy” in the 4th movement of the 9th Symphony called “Coral.”

The keyword given here is “Allegro.” 

Do you know what does Allegro mean? 

Please read the article below:

What does “Allegro” mean?

Now, let’s start practicing together!

This Youtube channel provides many videos which can support your home practice of Suzuki Books, Shinozaki Violin Method, and more.  If the video helps you in any way, please click the ‘like’ button and subscribe to my channel. I look forward to working with all of you !